Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at The New School

The New School's Liberal Arts program faces a challenging start, with graduates earning just $27,701 in their first year—roughly $8,000 below the state median and landing in the bottom quarter of New York liberal arts programs. That first-year figure is particularly concerning in one of the country's most expensive cities, where that salary barely covers basic living costs. The debt load of $26,750, while close to national averages, represents nearly a full year's starting salary.

The encouraging news is the trajectory: earnings jump 51% by year four to $41,766, eventually matching the 75th percentile nationally. This suggests graduates who stick it out in expensive New York markets—likely in creative fields, nonprofits, or cultural institutions where The New School has strong connections—do see meaningful income growth. However, that four-year mark still falls well short of top New York programs like Molloy or Cornell, which place graduates at significantly higher starting points.

For families considering this investment, the real question is whether your child can weather those first few lean years in New York City. The program works best for students with financial cushion during the post-graduation period or those willing to live with roommates and side hustles while building their careers. Students needing immediate earning power to service debt should look elsewhere.